Rocky Mountain Periodontal Specialists know that your gum health is the cornerstone of your overall wellbeing. Next to tooth decay, the biggest threat to your smile is a preventable infection called gum (periodontal) disease. Besides being a leading cause of tooth loss, ongoing scientific studies continue to link gum disease with several systemic illnesses, including coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes, and premature births. Our periodontists are specially trained to treat complex oral health issues, like gum disease. We provide non-surgical periodontal therapy in Colorado Springs, CO to stop the infection in its tracks to restore a healthy smile.
Gum disease typically starts small; you might notice some swelling or bleeding, but they’ll be relatively mild. With time, however, the infection is likely to grow worse and worse. Early intervention could be the key to saving your teeth and protecting the rest of your body. When we find signs of gum disease in your mouth, we’ll always opt for the least invasive and most cost-effective form of treatment available to restore the health of your smile.
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Early stages of gum disease can be treated with scaling and root planing, better known as a deep cleaning. Our periodontal professional will remove bacteria from above and below the gum line. We may also follow this treatment with an antibiotic. If your gums are sensitive or you’re anxious about dental procedures, we offer a variety of comfort options, including sedation, to make you feel at ease.
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The 5-year survival rate for oral cancer is very high for people who have the disease diagnosed at an early stage; sadly, only about 3 out of 10 patients will receive such an early diagnosis. As such, it’s essential for us to take note of symptoms that could potentially point to oral cancer, such as velvety white or red patches or persistent sores that don’t heal within two weeks. We can make the appropriate referrals depending on what we find.
If you’re looking to prevent gum disease, you’ll need to pay close attention to the kind of oral hygiene products you use. For instance, certain toothpastes contain active ingredients to kill the germs that can contribute to gum disease. You can also rinse with mouthwash to further reduce bacteria levels in your mouth. When we evaluate your oral health, we can talk to you about the oral hygiene products you use and make recommendations for changes.